Grounds, Safety & Riding Rules

Keeping our rally days and events safe, relaxed, and enjoyable is a team effort! Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our mandatory rules and recommended safety practices before riding on the grounds.

🪖 Rider Gear & Safety Equipment

Mandatory Requirement: An approved equestrian helmet with a fixed harness MUST be worn at all times whilst mounted.

Approved HRCAV Helmet Standards

• AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards) — Current Australian standard (Must be SAI Global marked)

• ARB HS 2012 — New Australian standard (Must be SAI Global marked)

• ASTM F1163 (2004a/04a onwards) — Current American standard (Must be SEI marked)

• SNELL E2001 — Current American standard

• PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) — Current British standard (Must be BSI Kitemarked)

• VG1 (01.040: 2014-12) — Interim European standard (With or without BSI Kitemark)

Helmets should be replaced following a fall and the generally accepted usable life of most helmets is 5 years. Please check the label in your helmet to ensure that it complies.

• Approved Footwear: Long or short riding boots MUST be worn at all times whilst mounted. Heavily rippled or blocked soles are not permitted.  Runners and Blundstone-style work boots are strictly prohibited.

• Jumping Safety: We strongly recommend wearing a body protector/protective vest and a medical armband whenever jumping.

• Ambulance Cover: We strongly suggest all members maintain active personal ambulance insurance.

🐴 Horse Health, Welfare & Etiquette

• Tack & Gear Safety: Riders are responsible for inspecting their saddlery regularly (stitching, buckles, girths, and stirrup leathers) to ensure all gear is safe and in good working order before mounting.

• Biosecurity & Health: Please do not bring sick or potentially infectious horses to the club grounds.

• Horses That Kick: If your horse is prone to kicking, please tie a red ribbon to its tail and maintain a generous, safe distance from other horses and riders.

• Young or Green Horses: Please introduce young or green horses to the club grounds and surroundings in-hand before mounting up for a lesson.

• Yard Courtesy & Care: Be mindful of horse behavior in the yards. If your horse is known to kick or bite neighbouring horses, please tie them up securely instead. If your horse chews or damages a yard rail, please notify a committee member promptly so repairs can be arranged.

🎪 Arena Safety & Lunging Rules

• Mindful Lunging: Ensure both you and your horse are calm and in control when lunging. Lunging inside the arena immediately prior to or during lessons can create hazards; if your horse becomes fresh or unsettled, please step out of the arena until they calm down so other horses aren't disrupted.

• Arena Etiquette: Please read and follow the Arena Etiquette & Safety Sheet on our website. Always treat fellow riders, horses, and instructors with courtesy and respect.

• Punctuality: Arrive at rallies with plenty of time to check your gear, groom, and tack up without rushing.

🚧 Facilities, Parking & Gate Security

• Keep Gates Closed: Always close the front gate and footgates immediately upon entering or exiting to prevent a loose horse from escaping onto the road.

• Locking Up: If you are the last person to leave the grounds, you must lock the main gate (even if you weren't the person who unlocked it).

• Float Parking: Park your float thoughtfully, leaving generous space so horses can be tied up safely without damaging neighbouring vehicles.

• No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited while mounted.

🩹 Incident & Accident Reporting

• In the event of any accident or injury on the grounds, an Incident Report Form must be completed.

• Forms can be found in the clubrooms in the red "First Aid" folder, or downloaded directly from our website.

• Once completed, please hand the form directly to a committee member or instructor.